Shillong, Dec 1: A one day Block Level Livestock Mela for livestock farmers of Sohiong C&RD Block was organized at Sohïong on Saturday by the Office of the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, East Khasi Hills

The Mela was organised under the National Livestock Mission 2017-18 on the theme “Economic Empowerment through Livestock Mission.”

Minister for PHE and Sohïong MLA, Samlin Malngiang was the Chief Guest in the presence of Dr. C. Shilla, Director, AH & Veterinary, Dr. (Mrs) A. Laloo, District AH & Veterinary Officer, Dr. (Mrs) N. Marwein, AH & Veterinary Officer, Sohiong Dispensary among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Malngiang said livestock rearing in rural area was one of the sources of income which contributed significantly to rural livelihood and also provided employment opportunities.

Stating that backyard livestock method is comparatively low in production, Malngiang urged the farmers to adopt the modern method of farming as introduced by the Veterinary Department which can easily boost up production with improved breed of livestock.

He also emphasized on the ready availability of market for livestock products as the State depends largely on other States for supply of raw meat and poultry products, Shri Malngiang urged the farmers to go for large scale farming so as to earn higher profit margins.

Dr. (Mrs) A. Laloo, District A.H. & Veterinary Officer, in her keynote address said that the Livestock Mission is designed to cover all the activities required to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems, capacity building of all stakeholders and sustainable development of livestock sector.

As a token of appreciation, awards were handed over to outstanding farmers who showed tremendous contribution in piggery, goatery, dairy and poultry sector.

The day long programme includes technical session followed by an interactive session. Stalls were also put up at the Mela by various Block Offices and local entrepreneurs for display and sale of dairy products.

Similar programmes were also held at Pynursla C&RD Block on November 29, and KHADC member, J. Tynsong, was the Chief Guest while KHADC Deputy CEM, Teilinia Thangkhiew MDC attended the Mela at Mylliem C&RD Block on November 30.